Health and Safety, Birth to 2 Years

Topic Overview

This topic suggests ways to help
prevent illness and accidental injuries in babies and young children. It doesn't cover every risk that a child faces. But it does cover many of the most
common hazards and situations that can be dangerous to a child in this age
range.

What can you expect from your child at this age?

Watching your child grow is a wonder. But there are concerns in
this age range:

Your child cannot understand and recognize
danger. You need to take steps to keep your child safe from everyday hazards,
both inside and outside the home.

Your child's
immune system isn't fully developed. This makes it
more likely that your child will get bacterial and viral infections and more
likely that these infections will be dangerous.

Remember that no one can watch a child's every move or make a home 100% safe all the time. Try to find a balance among supervising your child, taking safety precautions, and allowing your child to explore. Learn all you can about child growth and development. Doing so can help you learn how to respond to and make a positive impact on how your child behaves.

What can you do to help keep your child safe?

You
can:

Supervise your child both inside and outside the house. For example, always use a car seat, and
watch your child closely when he or she interacts with pets.

Take safety measures around the home. For
example, use sliding gates in front of stairs, and keep rubber bands and other
small objects out of reach. And always place your baby to sleep on his or her
back.

What kinds of equipment can be hazardous?

Car
seats, cribs, strollers, playpens, and high chairs are all often used by
infants and toddlers up to age 2. If any of this equipment is worn or broken,
or if you use it incorrectly, it can be dangerous.

If you buy
or are given used equipment, make sure it meets current safety standards and
has not had any safety recalls. You can check recall information from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission online at www.cpsc.gov or by calling
1-800-638-2772.

How can your stress level affect your child's safety?

Taking care of yourself is a vital part of keeping your child safe. Most
injuries to children occur when parents or caregivers are tired, hungry, or
emotionally drained or are having relationship problems. Other common causes of
family stress include changes in daily routines, moving to a new house, or
expecting another child.

If you feel stressed, get help. Talk to your
doctor or your child's doctor, or see a counselor. Get together regularly with
friends, or join a parenting group.

Call 911 right away if you feel that you are about to hurt yourself or your child.

Healthy Habits for Preventing Infection and Illness

The
immune systems of babies and young children up to 24
months of age are still developing. This makes them especially prone to getting
sick after being exposed to viruses and bacteria. Exposure to common
pathogens can occur from person-to-person contact and
from improperly prepared food. Good hygiene practices can help you protect your
child from exposure to these germs.

Safe food preparation

You can prevent most cases of food poisoning by being careful when you prepare and store food. Wash your hands and working surfaces while preparing food, cook foods to safe temperatures, and refrigerate foods promptly. Be especially careful when cooking or heating perishable foods, such as eggs, meats, poultry, fish, shellfish, milk, and milk products.

Be sure your child gets all needed vaccines (immunizations). These vaccines provide important protection for your child against harmful disease. For more information, see the topic
Immunizations.

Avoid germs and people who are sick.
Keep your child away from other people who are obviously ill. And avoid exposing your child to a large crowd, especially when an easily spread illness is going around.

Visit the doctor regularly

Asks you questions about your child's health and development and whether you have any concerns.

Safety Measures Around the Home

From birth to age 2,
children depend on parents and other caregivers for their safety. Safety issues
change and increase rapidly in number as newborns grow into toddlers.

You can help protect your child from accidents and injuries by taking general safety measures around your home.
Think ahead about what potentially dangerous situations will attract your child. Supervise your child, but keep in mind that constant hovering over children can limit their experiences and confidence. Balancing supervision with safety precautions will help prevent accidents and injuries, as well as allow children to explore.

The following are common accidents and injuries that can occur around the house and some suggestions on how to prevent them.

Baby products

In the United States, safety
standards for children's equipment, furniture, clothing, and other items are
set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Although most new items
you buy will likely meet these standards, older and used items may not.
Equipment that has been used before, such as a baby carrier, may not be safe.
These items may have wear and tear that affects how they function. The CPSC may
also have recalled some items because of reported hazards.

Check
that all the products your baby uses meet current standards. The following list
provides safety information for items frequently used by children up to age
2:1

Cribs should meet all current safety standards, such
as having less than
2.4 in. (60 mm) of space
between slats. Don't
use sleep positioners or bumper pads.

Baby walkers should not be used, according to
the American Academy of Pediatrics. Children can fall down stairs and get hurt. An activity center is a better choice.

Playpens should have spaces in the mesh material that
do not exceed 0.25 in. (0.6 cm)
across. Wooden slats should measure less than
2.4 in. (60 mm) apart. Be careful about the toys you put in the playpen. As your
children grow, they can get tangled in mobiles or may use larger toys as steps
to boost them out of the enclosure.

High chairs should have a wide, stable base. Always take time to make sure the
high chair is locked in the upright position before use. If you need to use a seat that hooks onto a table, make sure it locks onto the table. And make sure your baby can't push against the table support. Use the safety straps,
and supervise your child at all times while he or she is in the high
chair.

Changing tables should have a railing on all sides
that is 2 in. (5.1 cm) high. A
slightly indented changing surface is also recommended. Always use the safety
strap, and keep one hand on your child. Have diapers and other items handy, but
keep them out of your child's reach.

Falls

You can prevent many falling
accidents by using common sense and appropriate equipment that meets all safety
standards. Recognize new hazards that your baby may bump into or stumble over as he or she
learns to scoot, crawl, and walk. And don't allow your child to walk or run with objects in his or her mouth. Your unsteady toddler could get face and mouth injuries in addition to other injuries from falling.

Choking

Prevent choking. Your child can choke on things smaller
than 1.25 in. (3.2 cm) in
diameter and 2.25 in. (5.7 cm) long. These include button batteries and coins. Keep items like these out of your child's reach.

Learn to recognize
signs of choking. For
example, a child who is choking can't talk, cry, breathe, or cough.

Strangulation and suffocation

A young child can
strangle from a variety of household items. Protect your child by minimizing
these hazards:

Keep cords for blinds and drapes out of your child's reach.
Attach cords to mounts that hold them taut, and wrap them around wall brackets.

Cords with loops should be cut and given safety tassels
instead.

Never use accordion-style gates. A baby or young child may trap
his or her head in the gate and may strangle.

Make sure that furniture does not have cutout portions or other
areas that can trap your child's head.

Suffocation is another danger for young children. Teach
your child about suffocation and the importance of a safe play area. Pay
attention to possible suffocation dangers, such as:

Trunks of cars. Keep rear fold-down seats closed so children
aren't able to climb into the trunk from inside the car. Also, always lock car
doors, and keep the keys out of your child's sight and reach.

Refrigerators and freezers, even those that are not in use. If
you are storing an old refrigerator or freezer, remove the door.

Plastic sacks. Do not let your child play with plastic sacks,
and keep them out of his or her reach. Many children like to play with sacks
and put them over their heads.

Be careful with baby slings. Keep your child's chin up, and keep his or her nose and mouth away from the fabric. Make sure you can see your baby's face.

Poisoning

Prevent poisoning from common household items. Identify any products that could harm your child when eaten or inhaled. Store these products out of your child's reach. If you have a possible
poisoning emergency, call 1-800-222-1222. For more
information, see the topic
Poisoning.

Prevent lead poisoning.
Children may chew on contaminated
paint flakes or painted objects. Homes built before 1978
may still have lead paint on walls and other surfaces.
For more information about lead, see the topic Lead Poisoning.

Fire hazards and burns

Prevent household fires by having and maintaining smoke detectors, planning and practicing
escape routes, and teaching your child basic fire safety skills. Young children are often curious about fire. Warn your child about
the dangers of fire, and explain why only grown-ups are allowed to use
it.

Prevent burns. Serious burns are most often caused by heat,
electricity, or chemicals. Prevent burn injuries to your
child by identifying dangers in your home and removing them or blocking your
child's access to them. For more information, see the topic
Burns and Electric Shock.

Enjoy fireworks from a distance.
Fireworks injure children each summer. Children can also get burns from using and being
around firecrackers and sparklers.

Guns and other weapons

Gun and firearm safety measures should be established for all households and especially those
where children live or visit. All guns and firearms should be kept in a locked
area, unloaded, and out of reach of children. Also store knives (even kitchen
knives), swords, and other weapons safely out of reach.

Pets

Teach children how to interact with pets. Teach them to never tease animals or bother them while they are eating. Explain that animals can sometimes hurt you. Also be sure to train your own
pets and keep them healthy.

Drowning

Children younger than 5 years of age die
from drowning more than any other age group.2 Help
prevent drowning by following these tips:

In addition to these precautions, learn first aid and
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Knowing these
skills can make the difference between life and death in an emergency
situation. For more information, see the topic
Dealing With Emergencies.

Safety Measures Outside the Home

You cannot protect
your child from every danger he or she can possibly encounter outside the home.
But you can take reasonable
precautions and teach your child basic safety rules.
This general training can help prepare your child for many situations he or she
may face.

Basic safety precautions

Prevent sunburn. If you can't keep your baby out of the sun, cover your child's skin with hats and clothing. It's safest to keep babies younger than 6 months out of the sun. Protect any bare skin with a small amount of sunscreen. To learn more, see the topic
Sunburn. And be careful that your child does not develop
heat exhaustion from being out in warm temperatures.
Small bodies can develop these problems much more quickly than adults. Do not
keep your child out in warm weather for long periods, and keep water or other
drinks on hand. To learn more, see the topic
Heat-Related Illnesses.

Teach your child swimming safety. Make sure that your child knows how to
behave while in and around water. If you live near
irrigation canals, teach your child not to play in or
near them.

Choosing child care

Before your child visits an unfamiliar home, ask the
homeowner whether you need to be aware of any dangerous areas, pets, or other
safety issues. It is always a good idea to see the household for
yourself. Don't be afraid to voice any concerns you have about safety. You are
ultimately responsible for protecting your child.

Before enrolling
your child in day care, evaluate the environment and talk with care providers.
Ask questions about their safety guidelines. Identify any hazards, and ask how
they are handled. For more information, see
the topic
Choosing Child Care.

Going along for the ride: Exercising caution

When you include your
child in your activities, be sure to recognize the related safety issues. And
focus on your child's comfort and safety.

Always use a car seat and have your child ride in the back seat of your car. Car accidents are the leading cause of death and injury in young children. Follow basic guidelines established by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). See the AAP website at www.healthychildren.org.

Never leave your child alone in a car. Heat inside the car and other factors could cause long-lasting injury—or death—in a matter of minutes. Keeping the car windows down won't protect your child in hot or warm weather. Other injuries could also occur from a child getting stuck in the trunk or setting the car in motion.

Monitor air pollution when planning to take your child
outdoors. Children's lungs are especially sensitive to pollution. You can check
your newspaper or local weather station for details about air pollution
levels.

Watch for physical signs that show it's safe to gradually
include your child in your activities. When children can run or climb, it's
usually a good sign that they are getting stronger and can keep their balance.
Before and after these signs appear, use good judgment for your baby's comfort
and safety.

Parent Self-Care

Gaining confidence

Many parents wonder whether
they are equipped to handle the responsibility of keeping their child safe. You
will likely feel more confident if you are alert, take all the precautions you
can, and know how to respond to emergencies.

Learn first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Classes
usually are offered through your local hospital or fire department.

Read and learn about child growth and development. Knowing what
to expect can help ease the fear of the unknown.

Join a support group. Parenting groups can help you learn new
skills and help ease emotional issues of having a new child. Groups
differ in their focus. Some target specific concerns, such as breast-feeding,
while others offer parents a chance to get together with their children for
playtime and visiting. Contact a local hospital or religious group, or ask your
doctor for resources in your area.

Connection between parent well-being and child safety

Taking care of yourself is a vital part of keeping your child safe.
Although accidents can occur at any time, most happen during times of excess
stress, such as when:1

Parents and children are hungry and tired, especially right
after work and before dinner.

Another baby is expected.

There is an illness or death in the family.

Relationship problems develop.

Major changes in your routine or environment occur. This can
happen when your child's caregiver changes, when you move to a new house, or
even before you go on a vacation.

Seeking help

All parents have times when they feel
exhausted, frustrated, angry, sad, or overwhelmed. Recognize that this is a
normal part of being human and being a parent. But if these feelings become too
much for you to handle alone, keep your child safe by
getting help.

For example, when your emotions are too
much for you to handle alone, you may not have the energy or desire to watch
your child as closely as you should. Some parents injure their children when
their emotions cause them to shake, hit, or push a child. This can result in
injury to the child such as
shaken baby syndrome, which can cause lasting brain
damage or even death.

Call 911 immediately if you feel you are about to injure yourself or your
child.

Other Places To Get Help

Organizations

HealthyChildren.org

141 Northwest Point Boulevard

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

Phone:

(847) 434-4000

Web Address:

www.healthychildren.org

This American Academy of Pediatrics website has information for parents about childhood issues, from before the child is born to young adulthood. You'll find information on child growth and development, immunizations, safety, health issues, behavior, and much more.

American Academy of Pediatrics

141 Northwest Point Boulevard

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098

Phone:

(847) 434-4000

Fax:

(847) 434-8000

Web Address:

www.aap.org

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offers a
variety of educational materials about parenting,
general growth and development, immunizations, safety, disease prevention, and more. AAP guidelines for various conditions and links to other
organizations are also available.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control

Web Address:

www.cdc.gov/injury

Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (U.S.)

P.O. Box 3006

Rockville, MD 20847

Phone:

1-800-370-2943

Fax:

1-866-760-5947 toll-free

TDD:

1-888-320-6942

Email:

NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov

Web Address:

www.nichd.nih.gov

The National Institute of Child Health and Human
Development (NICHD) is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. The
NICHD conducts and supports research related to the health of children, adults,
and families. NICHD has information on its Web site about many health topics.
And you can send specific requests to information specialists.

National Safety Council (2009). Water safety. National Safety Council Fact Sheet. Available online: http://www.nsc.org/news_resources/resources/documents/water_safety.pdf.

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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.